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OVERVIEW
- Business Overview
- Bookings
- Emergency Management
- Communications
- Other Information
- Guide Dog and Service Animals
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GENERAL
- Pre-arrival, arrival and reception
- Cognitive Impairment Support
- Car Park and Access amenities
- Entry
- Internal Spaces
- Public areas
- Displays, exhibits, commentary and live performances
- External Paths
- Public Toilets/Adult change facilities
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TOUR OPERATORS
- Tour/Transport Services
- Route Planning
- Guides
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ATTRACTIONS
- Zoos and Wildlife Parks
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COMMON AREAS
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ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
- Adventure activities
to view the full report.
Overview
General
Tour/Transport
Attractions
Common Areas
Adventure
Business Overview
The business has the following products/services available
Tour/Transport
Attraction
Adventure
Our business caters for the following disability types:
Blind or low vision
Deaf or low hearing
Limited mobility
Wheelchairs or mobility scooters
Food allergies or intolerances
Cognitive or people on the Autism Spectrum
Bookings
The business offers the following methods for bookings and enquiries:
Phone
Webportal
Our forms have high contract boxes and submit boxes
Emergency Management
The business has an emergency management and evacuation plan for guests with a disability
Emergency and evacuation procedures are explained on arrival
Guests with disabilities are noted in the guest log book for emergency and evacuation purposes
Communications
An accessibility guide is available on the website
https://www.ningalooreefdive.com
Our website meets WCAG 2.0 accessibility standards
Our business offers the following alternative communication methods
Plain English
Magnifiers
Not specified
There is easy to read signage and information (e.g. menus and emergency information)
There are Picture boards
Signage.JPG
Other Information
For bookings made onsite, the ticket booth/counter/box office is accessible for people using a wheelchair
The business accepts the companion card
Guide Dog and Service Animals
The business provides a secure area with shade and water for service animals
The business provides a toilet area for service animals
The business provides the following services for services animals:
Due to the nature of our tours, service animals are welcomed aboard the vessel but are not permitted in the water and a carer or other support is required to be responsible for the service animal if their control person is participating in an in-water activity.
Pre-arrival, arrival and reception
The business has the following in place to support guests during pre-arrival, arrival and reception
Booking information and websites are compatible with screen readers
There is a reception/public entryway.
Seating available at reception
A lower counter at reception/ticket office
A clipboard to allow check-in/ticket purchase whilst seated
A tablet with text to voice or pen and paper at reception to aid in communication
Picture Board at reception to aid in communication
Lighting in the reception area is even and glare free
Large print information sheets and registration forms
Information and maps are available in written form
A step free map/guide
A familiarisation tour
Additional Information from the business
The following steps are in place to ensure that people with fatigue related to their disability are not disadvantaged by long wait times:
We have a set check in time and to avoid delays our guests can complete their pre-tour forms online. We have a range of seating that guests can use while waiting for gear and trying on equipment.
Cognitive Impairment Support
Documents are available in plain English for people with cognitive impairment (This may include instructions, guides, menus and general information)
Quiet periods or early opening times for people on the Autism Spectrum
A space for parents and children on the Autism Spectrum
Access has alternative procedures and clear written instructions with universal access symbols
Car Park and Access amenities
The business has the following Car Park and Access amenities
A drop off zone
Designated disabled parking bays
Level or ramped access from the car park to the entrance
In addition, the following further information can assist guests
Not necessary as the shop is located directly across from the parking bays.
Entry
The business has the following amenities/systems in place for entry
A drop off point close to the entrance
A path of access to the building is slip resistance and even
A path of access to the building is clear of obstruction
Glass doors are fitted with a visual sighting strip
Door jams/doors are of a contrasting colour to surrounding walls
Door handles are of a contrasting colour to the door
Signage is written in a contrasting colour
The entry door is a minimum of 850mm wide
The entrance sill is less than 13mm
There a clear space of at least 1500mm x 1500mm in front of all doors.
Internal Spaces
Clear and unobstructed routes through and between buildings
Interior walls are matte or low sheen
Floors, walls, counters and furniture are of contrasting colours
Any protruding or overhanging obstructions are at least 2meters above the floor or are protected
Floor surfaces are hard or short pile carpet
Seating is available for guests unable to stand for long periods
Accessible facilities are clearly signed and visible from all areas
All corridors greater than 900mm
There is a quiet space for parents and children on the Autism Spectrum
Public areas
The public areas have the following amenities in place
Display units, Televisions, Video displays etc. are open captioned
Even lighting
Seating
Displays, exhibits, commentary and live performances
For displays, exhibits, commentary and live performances the following amenities are in place
Seating
Wheelchair accessible spaces/seating
A written transcript where audio description is provided i.e. display commentary, tour commentary
External Paths
External paths of travel have the following amenities are in place
Surfaces are concrete, asphalt, smooth paving or hard packed fine gravel (max aggregate size 13mm)
Paths or slopes longer than 15 metres have resting places or seats
Pathways are wider than 900mm
All pathways leading to the business are wheelchair accessible
Public Toilets/Adult change facilities
Public Toilets/Adult change facilities have the following amenities are in place
There is an accessible toilet for public use
The door is at least 850mm wide
There is a minimum of 850mm beside the toilet
Handrails are fitted
The toilet seat is 460mm above the floor
The toilet seat of a contrasting colour to the floor
The toilet seat is460mm above the floor
Tour/Transport Services
The tour/transport services have the following facilities/amenities in place
Buses/Coaches
0 vehicles have wheelchair lifts or ramps
0 vehicles have low floors with ramped entry
The maximum wheelchair capacity available in the fleet is:
2
Commentary is available in written format
Audio visual displays are sub titles
Route Planning
Route Planning
The tour route includes stops with accessible toilet facilities
There is an accessible toilet on-board for public use
The door is at least 850mm wide
There is a minimum of 850mm beside the toilet
The toilet seat is 460mm above the floor
The toilet seat of a contrasting colour to the floor
The toilet seat is 460mm above the floor
Toilet 1
Toilet 2
Additional Information from the business
In addition, the following further information can assist guests:
Some areas of the vessel may require additional assistance from a carer or crew member. We encourage our guests to contact us prior to making their booking so that we can determined their needs and that we can meet them whilst maintaining their level of comfortability.
Lunch stop venues are accessible
Sightseeing and photo opportunity stops are step free
Guides
AUSLAN
Use of clear/simple English
Correct pronunciation for lip readers
There is a audio description of surroundings
Marine
Marine craft are wheelchair accessible
Length (cm) 110.
Width (cm) 70.
Height (cm) 100.
Weight (kg) 30.
Accessibility is tide dependent
The Jetty
Jetty to Boat
Jetty to Boat 2
Boat Ladder 1.JPG
Boat Ladder 2.JPG
Signage 1
Signage 2
Signage 3
Shop 1.JPG
Shop 2.JPG
In addition, the following further information can assist guests
We are able to provide specialised transport if required through another company in Coral Bay. We would need to organise this option when guests are making their booking should they not have their own transportation that meets their transportation requirements.
Zoos and Wildlife Parks
Additional Information from the business
Guide and service animals should observe the following rules:
We don't have any limitations for service animals except for in-water interactions whereby the animals must remain on the vessel and be cared for by their owner or carer.
Shop Driveway Entrance
Shop Entrance 1
Shop Entrance 2
Shop Exit to Arcade
The Jetty
Toilet 2
Shop 1.JPG
Shop 2.JPG
Adventure activities
The adventure activities have the following facilities/amenities in place
Our adventure activities cater for people with a disability
Additional Information from the business
The following activities are available to people with a disability:
Our guests can enjoy a range of in-water and out-of-water experiences. In water experiences can include diving, snorkelling, and manta ray interaction snorkelling. Our boat ladders lower into the water making it suitable for anyone with accessibility needs. On board, there is plenty of deck space (with shade) for our guests to observe a variety of marine life.
The equipment utilised to make the activities available are:
Accessibility Management Tourism StrategyPurpose of this Strategy
To provide equal opportunities for all levels of accessibility for the tourism market.
Ningaloo Reef Dive will continue to make thoughtful adjustments to enhance accessibility across our tours, ensuring that individuals with diverse abilities can continue to enjoy the unique experiences on the Ningaloo Reef.
Strategies
1. Accessible Facilities and Equipment
Onboard Accessibility:
Ensure our vessel is accessible with features like sturdy, non-slip ramps, wide aisles, and handrails. Guests requiring assistance are advised when booking as to the layout of our vessel and photos of the vessel are provided upon request.
Adaptive Snorkelling and Diving Gear:
We offer adaptive equipment such as flotation devices, specialized masks, or equipment tailored for individuals with limited mobility. We provide wetsuits and buoyancy aids for varying body types to accommodate everyone comfortably.
Accessible Transportation:
We are partnered with accessible transportation providers for easier travel to and from Coral Bay, especially for clients arriving from Perth or Learmonth airports.
2. Staff Training on Accessibility Awareness
Inclusive Training Programs:
Our crew are trained on how to assist guests with disabilities in a respectful, empathetic manner, and educate them about different needs related to mobility, sensory, or cognitive disabilities. This includes training on assisting with adaptive gear, handling unexpected situations, and using inclusive language.
First Aid and Emergency Procedures:
Staff are trained in basic communication methods for guests with hearing impairments and know how to address specific emergency scenarios involving individuals with disabilities.
We have interpretive material available to guests with hearing impairments or language barriers for guests.
3. Accessible Experiences
Adaptive SCUBA Diving Courses:
Partnered with PADI’s and offer additional training for crew to complete the PADI Adaptive Techniques Specialty course to provide inclusive dive training that can accommodate a range of abilities. We also offer adaptive diving experiences enables people with physical disabilities to safely experience SCUBA.
Guided Snorkelling with Trained Guides:
We provide guided snorkelling and diving experiences with crew specifically trained to support guests who may need extra assistance.
Crew are trained to assist guests with visibility challenges; help maintain buoyancy or accompany guests with limited mobility.
4. Accessible Booking and Communication
Accessible Website:
The Ningaloo Reef Dive website is aimed to being optimised for accessibility with features like screen-reader compatibility, high-contrast options, and accessible booking forms. We have included descriptions of accessibility options on the website, so potential clients know what to expect.
We commit to reviewing this regularly with guidance from our partners to improve our website to meet these requirements.
Clear Communication Channels:
We have a dedicated crew member for accessible inquiries, where potential guests can discuss specific needs and accommodations directly with a trained member who can offer guidance and reassurance.
5. Inclusive Marketing and Partnerships
Feature Accessible Tourism in Marketing:
We are working towards highlighting accessibility options in social media, promotional materials, and on the website.
We plan to share future testimonials or stories from clients with disabilities who enjoyed their experience, which can help foster an inclusive image and reassure potential guests.
Partner with Accessible Tourism Organisations:
We aim to continue to collaborate with organisations focused on accessible tourism, both locally and internationally, to increase awareness and promote the business within the accessible tourism community.
We aim to partner with local disability organisations and request their assistance to identify needs and improve offerings.
6. Feedback and Continuous Improvement
Guest Feedback for Accessibility Improvements:
Collect feedback from guests on accessibility features and any areas for improvement.
This input can help refine our services and ensure the offerings evolve to meet diverse needs. We have made improvements in the past from customer feedback and needs and are committed to seeking these out in the future to ensure that we are meeting the needs of all our customers.
Ongoing Accessibility Audits:
We will continue to periodically review and assess all facilities, equipment, and protocols to ensure they remain accessible and compliant with evolving standards in Accessible Tourism.
Our commitment to reviewing these strategies regularly and from our customer feedback, Ningaloo Reef Dive can become a leader in accessible tourism, providing meaningful, safe, and enjoyable experiences for individuals of all abilities. This inclusive approach not only benefits the business but also reinforces a commitment to equality and sustainability in the tourism industry.
The following limitations apply to participation, including those activities that are not available to people with a disability:
There isn't much that our guests with a disability can't enjoy on our vessel. The main limitations would include access to the bow of the boat and the observation deck upstairs. Having a large open main deck still allows our guests to observe a variety of marine animals from there.
We encourage anyone with special needs to email us directly to discuss how we can accommodate them on our tour. They are made aware that our crew will need to assist them on and off the vessel by lifting them and we ensure that they are comfortable with this prior to them making a booking with us. We have photos available to send them for them to make their own assessment that they will be comfortable with.
In addition, the following further information can assist guests
Due to the railing on the vessel, it will be necessary for our crew to lift a person from their wheelchair on to the boat and placed back in their wheelchair. This is done with a minimum of three crew to assist and ensure the comfortability of the guest. It is strongly encouraged through our website that anyone with additional needs contact us prior to making their booking to help them make an informed decision about participating in our tours.